Equine Interaction Retreats, LLC

It’s been a chilly -10 degrees outside and with horses, goat, and chickens stocked with shelter, extra food, and heated water tanks to keep them warm. I’m cozied up next to the dogs and kids in my little log house day dreaming by the fire about plans for the future!

This dream involves tolerably warm weather, me, you and a small herd of horses, peaceful surroundings (you know.. birds chirping, butterflies fluttering, even rainbows maybe) and gently guided interactions with horses that dissolve stress, worry, self-doubt, anxiety, and building up the ability to find a sense of calm, safety, and confidence.

So, today’s “Dream into Action”: Scheduling individual sessions for youth 8+ and adults. Here’s the best part, I’m going to let you suggest the day/time. And at least for now, with enough advanced planning I can work around most schedules and requests! Yep, weekdays, or weekends. Maybe not the middle of the night… but anything within reason and that vibes with my own family/work schedule! And even more than one-hour at a time if you would prefer.

Think of these as “mini retreats” where you get one-on-one support from me, and space and time to spend with the horses! We will work in collaboration with horses through exercises in trust, understanding others, being understood, and finding or re-discovering a place of “calm” that feels safe. If riding horses is your ultimate dream, these will set you up to have a great start at understanding horse behavior and safety around horses on a deeper level than you might expect in traditional horsemanship lessons.

Who can benefit? Just about anyone. We all have some version of worry, frustration, or uncertainty with work, family, relationships, and more. While this NOT therapy, and I’m not (yet) a licensed therapist, time with the horses and the activities I have ready for you are naturally therapeutic and wonderfully supplemental to issues you might be working through with your licensed therapist.

So whether you imagine this dream for you, a family member, or a friend who you know would love this kind of setting please reach out so we can schedule a time that works for you!

Be one of the first 5 people to sign up and secure a one-time discounted rate at $65/hour for 1 – 3 hours (consecutive in on session). After the first five people, the full rate is $100/hour. Small-group discounted rates (2 – 3 people) available upon consultation and arrangement. Fees not only support me and my family, but also insurance and standard business expenses, food, shelter, vet care, facility costs, and other related expenses for the horses.

Not comfortable with horses? That’s not uncommon, and I have a small barnyard (and local partners with small herds/flocks/fluffles) of other animals that can sub-in for the horses upon request. In fact my goat, Brandon, would LOVE to prove he’s just as awesome as the horses at this work!

Reach out today to schedule a time for you or a loved one to have an exclusive one-on-one session!

Email me at equineinteractionretreats@gmail.com to schedule a consult. During the consulting and/or initial email, be ready with a few dates that will work for you so we can get you on the books. A 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot, and full payment is due 48-hours prior to the session.

Safety disclaimers:

1. I am not a therapist. I am working to become a therapist, in adherence to ethical practice will not be providing clinical services via private practice until I am licensed to do so.
2. Sessions are learning-focused. This means I will provide knowledge, activities, and ideas rooted in a foundation a of wellness and horsemanship, but often we will go with the flow, and allow ample time for things to evolve naturally, with minimal pressure. After all, being told to calm down and micro-managing has never been helpful. All I expect from you is to show up as you are, and focus on what you need that day.
3. Before confirming an appointment, I will require a 15-minute phone or video conference to discuss your goals, what I do, and whether we are a good fit prior to scheduling and deposit.
4. For those with severe mental health concerns, we may want to consider scheduling a co-facilitated session with a mental health professional (MHP). I can work with your MHP or one of my trusted licensed therapist colleagues upon request, although I cannot guarantee their availability. Additional fees may apply, and may be billed separately for therapists added to sessions.
5. Anyone with a history of abuse towards animals will need a recommendation/referral from a mental health professional to provide assurance animals will not be put at-risk. At any point in time if I feel the safety of the animal(s), myself, the client, or another person are at risk I reserve the right to halt or end the session indefinitely, and without reimbursement.
6. I offer a safe and confidential space; however, if I become concerned regarding any issues of immediate harm to yourself or others, I will report my concerns to the appropriate authorities out of care, respect, and safety for all.
7. I cannot, and do not claim to cure, treat, or fix physical or mental health issues. Many people report very positive results on an individual and anecdotal basis, and research in the field of equine assisted therapies does support positive benefits; however, all consumers of any kind of animal-assisted intervention should be aware that there are limits, conditions, and situations that may limit perceived benefits.
8. Cancellations: Cancellations less than five business days in advance will not be refunded. As a new, small business, I go through great lengths to make myself available which includes arranging childcare, taking time away from my other job(s) and family, making sure horses are fit and ready for you to work with, and making arrangements with one or more of my local partners who generously collaborate to offer some of the most serene and peaceful properties in the valley to meet with you. Cancellations due to weather or natural disaster may be refunded or rescheduled whenever possible.